Types of intelligence
What has become a powerful force in the world of education all started in 1983,
when Harvard University professor Howard Gardner began his book Frames of Mind:
The Theory of Multiple Intelligences with some simple but powerful questions: Are
talented chess players, violinists, and athletes "intelligent" in their respective
disciplines? Why are these and other abilities not accounted for on traditional
IQ tests? Why is the term intelligence limited to such a narrow range of human endeavors.
From these questions emerged multiple-intelligences theory. Stated simply, it challenges psychology's definition of intelligence as a general ability that can be measured by a single IQ score. Instead, MI theory describes eight intelligences (see below) that people use to solve problems and create products relevant to the societies in which they live.
MI theory asserts that individuals who have a high level of aptitude in one intelligence
do not necessarily have a similar aptitude in another intelligence. For example,
a young person who demonstrates an impressive level of musical intelligence may
be far less skilled when it comes to bodily-kinesthetic or logical-mathematical
intelligence. Perhaps that seems obvious, but it's important to recognize that this
notion stands in sharp contrast to the traditional (and still dominant) view of
intelligence as a general ability that can be measured along a single scale and
summarized by a single number.
Naturalist Intelligence (“Nature Smart”)
Designates the human ability to discriminate among living things (plants, animals)
as well as sensitivity to other features of the natural world (clouds, rock configurations).
This ability was clearly of value in our evolutionary past as hunters, gatherers,
and farmers; it continues to be central in such roles as botanist or chef. It is
also speculated that much of our consumer society exploits the naturalist intelligences,
which can be mobilized in the discrimination among cars, sneakers, kinds of makeup,
and the like.
Musical Intelligence (“Musical Smart”)
Musical intelligence is the capacity to discern pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone.
This intelligence enables us to recognize, create, reproduce, and reflect on music,
as demonstrated by composers, conductors, musicians, vocalist, and sensitive listeners.
Interestingly, there is often an affective connection between music and the emotions;
and mathematical and musical intelligences may share common thinking processes.
Young adults with this kind of intelligence are usually singing or drumming to themselves.
They are usually quite aware of sounds others may miss.
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (Number/Reasoning Smart)
Logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to calculate, quantify, consider
propositions and hypotheses, and carry out complete mathematical operations. It
enables us to perceive relationships and connections and to use abstract, symbolic
thought; sequential reasoning skills; and inductive and deductive thinking patterns.
Logical intelligence is usually well developed in mathematicians, scientists, and
detectives. Young adults with lots of logical intelligence are interested in patterns,
categories, and relationships. They are drawn to arithmetic problems, strategy games
and experiments.
Existential Intelligence
Sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as
the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here.
Interpersonal Intelligence (People Smart”)
Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and interact effectively
with others. It involves effective verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability
to note distinctions among others, sensitivity to the moods and temperaments of
others, and the ability to entertain multiple perspectives. Teachers, social workers,
actors, and politicians all exhibit interpersonal intelligence. Young adults with
this kind of intelligence are leaders among their peers, are good at communicating,
and seem to understand others’ feelings and motives.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (“Body Smart”)
Bodily kinesthetic intelligence is the capacity to manipulate objects and use a
variety of physical skills. This intelligence also involves a sense of timing and
the perfection of skills through mind–body union. Athletes, dancers, surgeons, and
craftspeople exhibit well-developed bodily kinesthetic intelligence.
Linguistic Intelligence (Word Smart)
Linguistic intelligence is the ability to think in words and to use language to
express and appreciate complex meanings. Linguistic intelligence allows us to understand
the order and meaning of words and to apply meta-linguistic skills to reflect on
our use of language. Linguistic intelligence is the most widely shared human competence
and is evident in poets, novelists, journalists, and effective public speakers.
Young adults with this kind of intelligence enjoy writing, reading, telling stories
or doing crossword puzzles.
Intra-personal Intelligence (Self Smart”)
Intra-personal intelligence is the capacity to understand oneself and one’s thoughts
and feelings, and to use such knowledge in planning and directioning one’s life.
Intra-personal intelligence involves not only an appreciation of the self, but also
of the human condition. It is evident in psychologist, spiritual leaders, and philosophers.
These young adults may be shy. They are very aware of their own feelings and are
self-motivated.
Spatial Intelligence (“Picture Smart”)
Spatial intelligence is the ability to think in three dimensions. Core capacities include mental imagery, spatial reasoning, image manipulation, graphic and artistic skills, and an active imagination. Sailors, pilots, sculptors, painters, and architects all exhibit spatial intelligence. Young adults with this kind of intelligence may be fascinated with mazes or jigsaw puzzles, or spend free time drawing or daydreaming